The UAE cut its working week to four and a half days, moving its weekend from Friday-Saturday to Saturday-Sunday, in a major shift designed to align business with western makers and improve work-life balance.
The study – based on the views of 1,000 people in the UAE- revealed more than half (53%) of United Arab Emirates (UAE) professionals have now transitioned to a 4.5 working day week
The research also found the overwhelming majority (91%) of respondents believed the new working week would have a positive impact on employees’ mental wellbeing.
Darren Ryan Global Creative Director 3Gem Research & Insights commented “The findings of our survey are really encouraging to see. Any major change on this scale is bound to have its challenges and initial teething problems. However, the evidence is clear that a shorter working week has so far had a positive effect. People are working more efficiently and it’s proving to have a positive effect on their mental wellbeing. That’s great news for employers to hear too”
This positive outcome is in line with what the UAE government was hoping. A solution that would boost work-life balance and enhance social wellbeing, while at the same time increase performance to improve the UAE’s economic competitiveness with the rest of the world.
Research Methodology
This 3Gem Research & Insights survey of 1,000 people (over 18) was carried out in the UAE between 27th – 31st January 2022.
3Gem Research & Insights are a global provider of market research. Their online global panel of over 8 million extends to more than 47 countries worldwide. 3Gem Research & Insights utilise industry-standard panel management systems and adhere to stringent quality control procedures. Utilising double opt-in, GDPR compliant consumer and B2B panels.
